Microsoft updates its Next Lock Screen with improved performance and fewer bugs

Just last week, Microsoft updated its Arrow launcher for Android with improved memory efficiency and a few new features, along with a bunch of bug fixes; the Next Lock Screen has been updated today, with a similar theme – better performance, fewer bugs.

The Next Lock Screen is quite a bit similar to the Arrow Launcher in terms of what it’s aiming for – a Microsoft-centric experience, on Android. The freedom Android allows for, helps Microsoft bring users into its ecosystem without all the fuss of buying a Windows-powered phone.

Next Lock Screen started – and still is – as a Microsoft Garage project, and have had a rocky journey; it has been criticized for offering nothing new to Android, while at the same time being too much of a resource-hog. That’s all in the past, though – this is about the update.

The Update

This latest update to the Next Lock Screen bumps the version to 3.10.4; the changelog isn’t very long – but here it is:

A persistent notification by the Next Lock Screen app was showing up on the lock screen, an obvious bug that has been sorted.

A few improvements and adjustments to the layout of the compact status bar.

Wallpapers will now use less memory – this is especially useful for low-end devices, where RAM is in short supply.

The update also fixes some password inconsistency issues.

Availability

If you have already installed Next Lock Screen, the update is rolling out at its pace – just have some patience, while it does.

The launcher has over a million installs – there must be something that people like about it, which is also what makes Microsoft continue the project. Give it a try and see if you prefer it over what you already have.